Moyes and Pellegrini to stake their transfer credentials over midfield anchormen Carvalho and Fernando this summer

David Moyes’ bold claim that Manchester United can match Manchester City in the transfer market is heading for an early test after both clubs closed in on almost identical transfer targets.

Sporting Lisbon prospect William Carvalho and Porto’s Fernando are both physically imposing holding midfielders whose stock has risen sharply this season and who have both come under close scrutiny from City and United.

Principal target: Manchester United boss David Moyes is keen to bring in Sporting Lisbon's William Carvalho

Rivals: United's David Moyes and City's Manuel Pellegrini are staking their transfer credentials this summer

Bold claim: David Moyes says his club can compete with neighbours Man City in the transfer market

Finally, the two Manchester giants appear to have settled on their preferred choice, with Carvalho bound for old Trafford and Fernando hotly tipped to join City.

Sportsmail exclusively revealed at the end of February that Moyes had identified 6ft 2in anchor man Carvalho as his prime midfield target and was ready to meet his £37million buy-out clause. He is now close to landing the 21-year old and seems sure to see off late competition from Monaco.

Intriguingly, Carvalho may well find himself up against his Porto rival Fernando, if, as expected, City press ahead with their interest in a player nicknamed The Octopus and recruit him in the summer for a fee in excess of £25million. Inter Milan are also keen on Fernando but cannot afford the asking price.

With both players topping 6ft and filling the same deep-lying midfield role, it would lead to a match up that would provide an early pointer to which of the rival bosses has the keener eye and greater persuasive powers in transfer dealings.

Many observers in Portugal believe Moyes may just have got one over on Pellegrini after rating Carvalho one of their brightest prospects in years and seeing him dominate midfield against all Sporting’s title rivals this season.